PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples; if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 108097226 -By this shall all men know you are my disciples; if you have love one to another/Jesus Christ Cemetery Art with Bible Verse/The Lord Jesus Christ Cemetery Statue in blue tones. Contributor: - Kathy Clark.
Please note that our new parish number is (07) 56717388 (the old parish number 5572 5433 will still divert -hopefully- to the new number for about a year and then it will cease)
PASTOR’S POST. What’s in the Box?
I’m sure you remember a time when it was quite appropriate to ask someone in social conversation, where they grew up, what school they attended, what job they had and what religion they were. It wasn’t considered nosey or intrusive, just part of the normal ‘getting to know you’ process. Strangely, I find the mention of religion in general conversation has become very unpopular these days. Perhaps it’s that people consider their beliefs very personal or they really aren’t interested in discussing them with others. Maybe there is just a little fear that someone might ask me about my beliefs and we are not sure how to answer them.
Several weeks ago on a television program, a panel of minor celebrities were asked if there was a box in front of them that contained controversial proof for the existence of Jesus as the “Son of God”, would they want to open it. What a tantalizing question! On the panel were several agnostics, a practising Muslim and a committed Christian. All of them seemed to be confronted by the suggestion and were clearly uncomfortable revealing their religious convictions (or lack of them) to the audience. What followed was, for me, a riveting discussion about the balance between faith and fact, between fear of finding out and wanting to hold on to our tradition, no matter what the evidence. Mostly, the panel decided that it would make little difference to the way they led their lives. One person said they knew the difference between right and wrong so knowing that Jesus actually existed made little difference to their way of life. The Christian was uncertain because she wondered if she might have not gotten the message right in the first place. She wasn’t sure if she could handle the changes it might make to her life. She said she was happy to believe without evidence.
The strongest supporter of opening the box was the Muslim man, who said that before all else, the truth was paramount, even if it meant that it might cast some doubt on his own faith. He said he would not consider his adherence to his Muslim faith a waste since it had taught him so much about how to live a full and meaningful life. He understood that most of the major religions of the world had a similar goal and apart from rituals and practices the end of the journey was the same.
All this discussion got me thinking about how my life might be different if belief in the divinity of Jesus was a fact not just a faith. What would I do more or less if I discovered that Jesus was more than just an historical figure but could be proved beyond doubt to the Son of God? Would we tell the truth more often or be more honest in our business dealings? Would we be kinder or more generous in our giving to charity? Would we be more moral in our words and actions and would we start to rethink our religious practices? An interesting topic for personal meditation or discussion with family or friends.
As often happens I was left with more questions than answers, but the lingering thought was if I did change the way I lived and thought of others following a definitive proof of Christ, what more proof do I need and why aren’t I living as though I have that proof already? Careful, as you may lose sleep over this.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
http://www.stmichaels.qld.edu.au/Enrol/Pages/2022-Open-Day.aspx
LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL CONFERENCE - HELP NEEDED!
Hello to our fellow Parishioners!
We are the Surfers Paradise Conference Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. We call it our Conference because we meet to confer every month on how we can best help our Companions, who are doing it hard on this journey of life.
And we need your help. Not your money! (just for now) but your help!
You may not know, that SVDP was formed 189 years ago by a 19 yr old student in Paris, called Frederick Ozanam. He was challenged by the poverty and need he saw around him, and he called on his fellow students to appreciate their own privileges and to help those who needed a hand up.
So all these years later, in 153 countries all over the world, some 800,000 of us do what we can for our own Companions. When they call the Help Line, we go to visit them – previously in their homes, now in their driveways! We share food, and whatever other resources we can, and lend a listening ear so that we can provide support or guidance. We’re about a Hand Up. We need more people to come with us on our companion journeys. A couple of hours visiting, at a time to suit you, and a couple of hours in the conference. It’s not hard work, it’s easy. But it needs a big heart and a loving soul.
We’ll be hosting an information night on May 31, at the Parish Hospitality Centre at Clear Island Waters from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. So you can find out more, and discern whether it is a call for help that you can answer. No pressure. Well, not much!
If you are interested in finding out more, could you please call Catherine on 0419 221 916 or Craig on 0427 244 880. Thank you and bless you.
National Volunteer Week - 2022
(May 16-22) Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week (NVW),
Throughout the parishes, and by virtue of its work with Centacare, the Archdiocese has one of the largest numbers of volunteer groups throughout the state—around 10,000 approximately.
We celebrate the generous efforts of our volunteers. This year's theme is apt as we re-emerge from the COVID19 pandemic—"Better Together"
Nationwide Rosary to be prayed on May 21
The Legion of Mary in cooperation with the St. Louis Marie De Monfort association would like to assist in the promotion of the National Holy Rosary to Our Lady Help of Christians, on Saturday the 21st of May. We hope and pray that Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Brisbane will be able to hold this preferably between 2-4 pm. They may pray at home or in a group.
At this very unsettled time in our world, we are sure that this call to unity in prayer with our Blessed Mother Mary will help to restore peace and love in people's lives, especially those experiencing war, famine, abuse, sickness or homelessness.
With God’s grace we hope to improve our world and help those in need,
May God bless Yvette, Kaminski-LOM (0417591250)
NEW FEATURE OF THE NEWSLETTER - SHARE IN REFLECTION FOR AN UPCOMING WEEKEND'S SCRIPTURES:
In order to deepen our appreciation of God's Holy Word, each week you are invited to read the Scriptures for Sunday Masses a few weeks ahead. After you have prayerfully read these texts from the Bible, spend some time in silent contemplation and prayer over these texts. Then read the Scriptures over again slowly and meditatively. Write down anything in the readings that delights you, intrigues you, confuses you, challenges you and so on. Also, write down any thoughts that come up to you about these texts and what they are saying to you. You are welcome to share these thoughts in the feedback process in this link. Please come to this site every week and engage in this advanced preparation and immersion into God's living word which cuts finer than any knife and is lifegiving and nourishing for our lives here and now. Please visit the following link and join in the process. An insight, question or observation may end up in the weekly homily too. https://scripturereflectioninprogress.blogspot.com/
Federal Election2022-Bishops' Statement
Read the Australian Catholic Bishops 2022 election statement, Towards a Better Kind of Politics, to help you reflect on the good you can do for the community by using your vote for the common good of all.
Download a copy from www.catholic.org.au
Plenary Council Second Assembly-Walking in the Spirit
The People of God are invited to make a prayerful journey towards the Second
Assembly of the Plenary Council through the Walking in the Spirit prayer campaign.
Walking in the Spirit begins on Easter Sunday, April 17, and runs until the second
Assembly, which opens on
Sunday, July 3.
Resources have been created for use by individuals, families, schools, parishes and other Catholic communities.
Find out more at: www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/walkinginthespirit
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY
To efficiently deal with the pastoral needs that arise around the Catholic Parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies going to the priests of the parish within which the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. Nursing home calls usually also follow this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 56717388
John Flynn Hospital -Coolangatta-Tugun Parish on 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp-Southport Parish 5510 2222
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
A VOCATION VIEW: World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Can you imagine a country running on Jesus' one law of "love one another"? No wars. No hunger. No thirst. No jealousy. Only loving followers of Jesus. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE - Caritas International (Catholic)
Ukraine Crisis
Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine, and there have been at least 1,581 civilian casualties.
You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (John 13:34)
“As I have loved you,” this is the hard part – Jesus’s love is unconditional; our love usually comes with strings attached. It is easy to love someone when they love you back. But it takes mercy and compassion to love someone when you feel unappreciated, feel used or feel like your opinion doesn’t matter. It takes courage and the grace of God to “love my neighbour” when they may be someone you don’t like, someone you don’t know or someone that doesn’t look like you.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Barry James Edmonds, Karen Tansey, Kevin Brennan, Margaret Cusack, Fabiola Menzs, Peter O’Brien, Rachel Raines, Ray Burton, Mary Jackson, Cathy Doyle, Vince Shanahan, Ilene Simpkins, Claire Perera, Jayani Antony, Panfilo Bantugan, Sandii Wall, Hans Gringel, Kath Kiely, Joanne Mooney, Therese Mullins, Michael Connell, Zeb Deane, Miriam Hill, Amando A. Mirasol Jr., Gus Reeves, John & Molly Robinson, Laila Mikael, Jean Di Benedetto, James Goodwin, Scott Mitchell, Malcolm Ward, John O’Brien, Ludwig Mueller, Kent Vince, Colleen Grehan, Carmelita Dulu, John Davis, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Michael James, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Margaret Haerse, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Savannah Ayoub, Baby Maeve Lombard, Arthur Haddad, Michael & Denise Tracey, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr.
And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Sr Mary Teresa, Tony Ghusn, Bill Heuston, Cathy Cooper, Rosario Lazzaro, Lucena Gabriel, Brad Holman, Mieko Kanayama, Fr Patrick Cassidy, Fr Ian Howells SJ, Louise Thompson, Balthazar van der Meer, Katrina Roberts, Kathleen Gabriel, Rosslyn Wallis, Jean Smith (from Sydney), Barbara Mary Robertson, Guiseppe Castellana, Judith Wisemantel, Prof. Errol John Maguire, Pat Delany (Sydney), Cynthia Ferdinands, Cynthia Maud Brennan, Patricia Brigid Flanagan, Kathleen Jane O’Doherty, Segindina Navarro, Lolita Pamorca, Noeline Patricia Sisam, Barry Edwards, Rita Quarelle, Colita Paghubasan, Rosita Marchetti, Francis Elton.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Andreas Lunandi, Distony Lunandi, Pat Rainbird, Veronica Bond, Janina Kraus, John Egan, Robert Brian Butler, John Joseph Chappell, John McGrath, Nancy Denaro, Ross Patrick Hickey, Benjamin Gary Bayes, Thomas Hirst, Angel Dee Nipperess, Deris Howell, Jean Georges Rabbath, Patricia Connaghan, Margaret Bell Boyle, Leonor Corazon, Brian Nolan, Maria Lucia Zervos, Irmgard (Joan) Graz, Judith Anne O'Connor, Clarita Lopez. And Also: Rosa O’Sullivan, Bob Sutcliffe, Mario & Josephine Wirth, Patricia Mary Dussek, Robert Chadwick Evans, Juan Rivero, Brian Reuben Maher, Imre (Henry) Masa, Trevor Bourneville, Brian Day, Gordon Lepp, Frank Glynn, Michael Schons, Alma Anderson, Josephine Tansey, Anthony George Howard, Daphne Gabriel Paice.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Opening a door to the poor
and Valuing families is a Catholic imperative. Yet on this International Day of Families, we face the reality that between 20 and 30 per cent of the world's homeless include entire families. In the United States, nearly 60,000 families with children are without shelter on a given night. De La Salle Brother Peter Maurin co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement with Dorothy Day because he couldn't, as he said, be crazy the way the world is crazy. "What we give to the poor for Christ's sake, is what we carry with us when we die," Maurin reflected. Today, on his death date, reflect on what you will carry with you at your passing.
"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:21-27).
Also, Bear witness! The Holy Spirit is called the “Advocate.” An advocate is someone who defends, counsels, guides, and comforts. As Saint Paul said, the Advocate bears witness that we are children of God. As Catholics, we’re called to advocate for others as well. Catholic Relief Services encourages “advocating for changes in existing unjust policies and the creation of new policies that benefit the common good.” Want to put your faith into action through advocacy for the poor? Visit the website of Catholic Relief Services to learn how to become a voice for those whose voices have been ignored.
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything.” John 14:21-26.
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MASK WEARING
Naturally the rule about mask-wearing does not forbid people from wearing masks but simply does not require them to be worn. So people are very welcome to keep wearing masks if they choose. People should not feel the need to explain and apologise for continuing to wear masks and we ask that people respect their choices and needs. The risk of covid has not entirely vanished and there are still vulnerable people in our community and so using hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible is still highly prudent.
BAPTISM for Children in Surfers Paradise
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Surfers Paradise Parish follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as it welcomes each person into the family of the Church through the waters of Baptism.
Infants and children are baptised at the request of parents. Within the Baptism ritual, parents promise to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith and to raise their children to understand and live God’s commandments. Parents can request baptism for their child by filling out an enrolment form, available on our parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will email details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.
Three primary school-age children are currently preparing for Baptism. Although their personal stories vary, each of the children has asked their parents to organise their initiation into our Catholic Faith. Each child has asked to develop their relationship with God by learning more about God’s love and forgiveness. Their parents are delighted to be in a position to support their children as they start this journey. For our part, may we keep these children and their families in our prayers, especially throughout the upcoming Easter Season?
Sacrament of PENANCE -
If you missed the March opportunity for your child to celebrate their First Reconciliation, we hope to be able to offer another opportunity later this year - With a date to be confirmed through this newsletter.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION 2022
Over 90 children are currently participating in the At Home Preparation for First Communion.The families of these children will view the videos, complete the variety of activities and, talk and pray together about this final Sacrament of Initiation - the Sacrament of Eucharist received and lived to its fullest through the sharing in the gift of Holy Communion.
The Parent Meetings have been held over recent weeks. There will also be a Final Meeting (including rehearsal) in the week prior to the Celebration of First Communion either Monday, June 6 at 6 pm or Monday, June 13 at 6 pm. First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, June 12 at 11:00 am and Sunday, June 19 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church (Children will be included in one of these celebrations, not both.)
Families that experience any difficulties with the program should seek assistance by emailing our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 2022
Baptised children who are in Year 3 or greater are invited to be included in the 2022 Preparation for Confirmation group. Parents are asked to go to the parish website at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and complete an online enrolment application. Please use the drop-down menu under Sacraments and click on Confirmation (under Sacraments). Then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Once you click on SUBMIT, you will receive an automated response so that you know that your completed application has been received.
Parents who have completed and submitted the online form will receive an invitation email several weeks prior to the Parent Meeting which is to be held either Monday, July 11 at 6 pm or Tuesday, July 12 at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Church. (Parents are asked to choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the Confirmation Preparation Program.) After the Parent Meeting, parents will be emailed copies of the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program to be completed by the child and their parent/s, and then returned to the Sacramental Team. The Final Meeting which includes the rehearsal for Confirmation will be held on Monday, August 29 at 6 pm or Tuesday, August 30 at 6 pm (Children and parents are required to attend one of these meetings, not both.)
The Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in Surfers Paradise Parish on Friday, September 2, 2022.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
We want to love with the love that Christ (God) loves. Because we are limited human beings and we are speaking about Divine Love, which is infinite and unfathomable, we will very likely not attain the fullness of this Love until the fullness of the Heavenly Kingdom. But here and now we already live the beginnings of God's love forming and growing within us.
Love is a universal concept held by sacred and secular cultures throughout the world and throughout history. Christian love is a particular and extraordinary concept that challenges us to deepen our understanding and practise in accordance with Christ's vision. And we desire to deepen our understanding and our living of this profound way of loving to which Christ has opened doors.
In the first reading today, there is a delightful line: "they put fresh heart into the disciples…" and encouraged the people to persevere in the trials and difficulties that they faced in their following of Christ. It is a reminder, that the purpose of Christ's Church, and all its members, is to encourage, support and strengthen each other; and to be instruments of God's grace, strength, encouragement, power, and mercy to all people.
God, (as the second reading reminds us), is making "All things new" - God is constantly at work in his disciples making us a new creation, in God's image. We are being re-shaped and refashioned in the image of Christ and his Gospel. This is a subtle, and daily process that continues throughout life. And when we look back, we see the graces, blessings and re-creating that God has wrought in our lives and the lives of our family and friends around us.
One of the ways that God 'renews us' is by giving us new starts and new beginnings. This is an essential aspect of our discipleship. Let us make no bones about this, following Christ and his Gospel vision is very challenging and difficult. Jesus is offering the world a new commandment of Love that challenges us to go so much deeper than some concepts of love held by the world. In other ways, Christ is extending the natural selflessness and unconditionality that one finds in families: parents for their children, the unbreakable bonds of bloodlines.... and making this the image of God's love for his people... a loving parent for his beloved children.. and his challenge for how we live in this world... as brothers and sisters in Christ, one family within the human family.. united by blood.. the blood of Christ.
The readings are very encouraging, this weekend. For we are reminded, that "God lives with his people…... God is known as "God-with-them"... and our God lives in our midst; walking along with us; constantly at work taking the pain and tears from our midst. God is at work fashioning "healing and peace" in the hearts of his beloved people.
Then we move to the gospel… an intriguing piece of text. It starts by saying… "After Judas had gone…" That is a rather interesting beginning sentence: Jesus makes his speech as soon as Judas, (his betrayer), has left the table to go and sell-him-out!! ...literally..... "Judas has left the building" - not just physically, but spiritually. He has withdrawn his support from Christ and his message, (his gospel).
Judas has left the table of the Lord. And, as he leaves, Judas takes with him his own selfishness, his greed, his desire for money, his misguided desire for power, and his focus on his own needs. Now, those who remain at the table are all there voluntarily, and with their hearts and minds set on following Jesus and his Kingdom. Now, the ones who remain with Jesus, although they still suffer from weakness; and sometimes doubt, and sometimes stumbling; nevertheless those who surround him are now a group who are totally dedicated to service, love, and sacrifice: According to Jesus' vision!!!
Now is the time! Jesus now begins his final instruction to them before he suffers and dies. when a person realises that their time is very short, that their hour is upon them, and that they will shortly die, their deeply held values and desires inevitably come to the fore. And what Christ said and did just before he died shows us very profoundly the things that God thinks are REALLY important and central and what are not. What Jesus did NOT say at this intense moment is as important as what he DID say. For example, Jesus knew that his time had come to suffer and die, so he says, "Listen, my dear children, I am not going to be with you longer... I must tell you this because it is very important. remember this, above all else... And what does he say?? well, he does Not say... 'above all else even if you are not practising the message of the gospel at least appear to be.' He definitely did not say that! Neither did he say, "listen, my time is short, so remember this if you remember nothing else: appearing righteous and keeping the letter of the law is more important than everything else - disassociate yourselves with all who fall short or stumble." he certainly did not say that either!! What he did say, and thanks be to God, is: How you love is what matters above all.
He continues to teach us, even to this day, what he means by love, but what a wonderful message. Saint Paul picks up on this powerfully and Saint Therese also writes deeply on this truth. If I do even a good thing for a bad motive and without love, it will do me no good whatsoever and will not please God. Love and compassion are so central. Doing good and keeping God's law is not unimportant of course, but if we do not do these and other things with the love of God in our hearts flowing out into actions motivated by God's love, we have utterly missed the point. So, just before he suffers and dies, he deeply desires to make it clear: "People will know you are my disciples, first and foremost, above any other quality than by the way you love one another! …. This is truly beautiful. The quality of one's love, compassion, mercy, and practical care will be the touchstone of the "Disciple-follower-and-friend" of Jesus Christ….. If this is not witnessed, the lack of love and compassion; mercy, gentleness, and justice, will (without a doubt) be the single-most damaging sign to others of our witness as disciples of Christ. This is what people look for in a Christian. When they see it, they are inspired and moved. And when they do not see and experience it, they are scandalized, discouraged and lose hope and trust, perhaps even faith.
Love… true Christian love…. A love that puts others first… seeks what is truly best for the other, even if it is at the cost and sacrifice of our own personal ambitions and desires. This is a love that serves and suffers, sacrifices.... and puts oneself last… and others first (or at least putting others' needs as equal to our own). This is the image Jesus wanted to leave with his disciples before he suffered and died for all. In short; before he showed them the perfect love that holds nothing back, and which strips itself of everything, even that which one may be entitled to...… Christ even lays down his precious, unique life for his friends and even for those who call themselves his enemies. …..
They will know you are Christian by your love….
They will know the quality of our Christianity, by the depth, quality and practicality of our love……
How truly beautiful….. "They will know we are Christians by our LOVE."
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1285938766 - Use your gifts to serve one another with background sunset design for Christianity – Contributor: Josephine Julian]
St Matthias
“Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Acts (1:24) They drew lots and chose Mathias to replace Judas.
Mathias preached in Judea, Egypt and Ethiopia. Stories of his martyrdom vary. It is believed he was stoned and beheaded.
St. Mathias is the patron saint against alcoholism and smallpox. He is also the patron of carpenters.
Saint Matthias was an early disciple of Jesus who was there “from the baptism of John until the day” of the Ascension. It is traditionally believed he was one of the 70 disciples commissioned by Jesus and so the apostles knew him well. However, the rest of the New Testament is silent in regards to the apostolic endeavours of Saint Matthias.
Where did he go after becoming the “replacement” apostle? A reliable tradition states that Matthias founded a church in Cappadocia and ministered to Christians on the coasts of the Caspian Sea. It is said a particular feature of his preaching was an appeal to personal mortification to purify oneself from the desires of the flesh.
Saint Clement of Alexandria ascribes the following quote to Saint Matthias, “It behooves us to combat the flesh, and make use of it, without pampering it by unlawful gratifications. As to the soul, we must develop her power by faith and knowledge.”
It is believed that he died a martyr’s death, and was beheaded with an axe in Colchis at the hands of the many pagans there.
While little is known about his life, the appointment of Matthias as an apostle is the earliest evidence the Catholic Church has of Apostolic Succession, explaining why even today popes and bishops are chosen to replace those who went before them.
His life also reminds us that the twelve apostles were not the only ones who followed Jesus throughout his public ministry. There were many others, including a “Joseph” who almost became Judas’ replacement instead of Matthias. Jesus attracted a crowd of people wherever he went and some of them continued to follow him, while others left when his teachings were difficult. Matthias was one who gladly accepted Jesus’ teaching and was willing to be a “witness to his resurrection,” even if it cost him his life.
St John 1
(c. 470 – May 18, 526) is believed to have been born in Siena.
Saint John I’s Story: Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope.
When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West.
On his way home, John was imprisoned at Ravenna because the emperor had begun to suspect that John’s friendship with his eastern rival might lead to a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently, from the treatment he received in prison.
John’s body was transported to Rome and he was buried in the Basilica of St. Peter.
We cannot choose the issues for which we have to suffer and perhaps die.
Pope Saint John the First suffered because of a power-conscious emperor. Jesus suffered because of the suspicions of those who were threatened by his freedom, openness, and powerlessness. “If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you” (John 15:18).
St Bernadine of Siena
“Whenever the divine favour chooses someone to receive a special grace or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfil the task at hand.”
“The name of Jesus, is in fact, the great foundation of the faith that turns people into children of God. The Catholic Faith indeed, consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as the light of the soul, gate of life and foundation of eternal salvation.”
“The Name of Jesus is the glory of preachers because the shining splendour of that Name causes His word to be proclaimed and heard. And how do you think such an immense, sudden and dazzling light of faith came into the world, if not because Jesus was preached? Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savour of this Name that God called us into His marvellous light?”
“The last degree of love is when He gave Himself to us to be our Food; because He gave Himself to be united with us in every way.”
“Let Mary never be far from your lips and from your heart. Following her, you will never lose your way. Praying to her, you will never sink into despair. Contemplating her, you will never go wrong.”
POPE FRANCIS: Kirill must not be 'Putin's altar boy' says Pope Francis
(by Christopher Lamb)
Pope to Patriarch: “Brother, we are not state clerics, we cannot use the language of politics, but that of Jesus.”
On Sunday, the Pope appealed for peace in Ukraine and called the suffering of vulnerable elderly and children a “macabre regression of humanity”.
Pope Francis has challenged Patriarch Kirill over his support of the war in Ukraine warning that the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church “cannot become Putin’s altar boy”.
In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Francis explained that during their 40-minute zoom discussion in March the Patriarch spent half of it reading out justifications for President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I listened and told him: I don't understand anything about this. Brother, we are not state clerics, we cannot use the language of politics, but that of Jesus,” the Pope said. “We are shepherds of the same holy people of God. That is why we must seek ways of peace.”
He added: “The Patriarch cannot become Putin's altar boy.”
In 2016, Francis managed to secure a historic meeting with Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba, the first in nearly 1,000 years since the split between Eastern orthodoxy and Rome. The pair had planned a second encounter in Jerusalem on 14 June, but that has been called off.
The Pope told the Italian daily newspaper that he has offered to meet President Putin in Moscow as part of the Holy See’s peace efforts, but the Kremlin has yet to respond. “I fear that Putin cannot and does not want to have this meeting right now,” Francis said, adding that he has no plans to go to Ukraine.
Since the war began in February, the Pope has repeatedly condemned the invasion of Ukraine and the suffering inflicted on the Ukrainian people. He has, however, avoided mentioning Russia and Putin by name as the Vatican has sought to work its diplomatic channels and maintain dialogue with the Russian orthodox leadership. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, has offered the Vatican’s services as a mediator. Francis described Parolin as a “great diplomat” in the tradition of Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, the Secretary of State and highly skilled diplomat who navigated the Church’s relationship with the Soviet Union.
During the interview, the Pope reflected on the causes of the war saying that NATO “barking at the door of Russia” may have facilitated the conflict. Francis likened what was happening in Ukraine to the genocide in Rwanda and the 1930s civil war in Spain. He repeated his condemnation of the arms trade and said that wars take place to “test” the weapons that have been made.
“I don’t know how to answer– I am too far away – whether it is right to supply the Ukrainians,” he added.
Back in 2014, the Pope warned that a third world war was taking place in a piecemeal fashion, which in the Corriere interview he said was a simple acknowledgement of reality pointing to conflicts in Syria, Yemen and “now one war after another in Africa”. Francis said that during his recent meeting last month with the President of Hungary, Viktor Orban, the Hungarian leader told him that Russia planned to end the war on May 9, when Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany. “I am pessimistic,” the Pope said. “But we must make every possible effort to stop the war.”
(Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/15383/kirill-must-not-be-putin-s-altar-boy-says-pope-francis)
( Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1816062077 - Vatican City, Pope Francis – Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update- )
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
First Holy Communion gifts and cards available now.
SPCL – Morning Tea For Cancer
The Morning Tea for CANCER on the 2nd of May 2022, organized by Maxine Sela & Wendy Webb raised $1,250.00. Many thanks to the Guest speaker Donny Williamson. A big thank you to all who supported the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. God Bless you all, Maxine & Wendy.
BEST WISHES TO AILSA STACK
Our parish wishes Ailsa Stack all the best as she leaves the parish after living here thirty years, to move to Durack, (a suburb in outer south-western Brisbane), to be closer to friends. May God bless you, Ailsa, and grant you happiness, health and peace in your new home.
COMMUNION TO RESIDENTS AT NURSING HOMES. HELP NEEDED!
We have had to reduce our visits with Holy Communion to the residents at Nursing Homes, and urgently require more people to assist with this service. Can you spare 3 hours per month for this important Ministry?
Listed below are Nursing homes with their Day and time of visitation.
Lady Small Haven, Benowa. Tuesdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Merrimac Park Private Care, Merrimac. Wednesdays 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm
Bupa Nursing Home, Merrimac. Thursdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Tricare, Mermaid Beach Nursing Home, Mermaid Beach Fridays 10.15 am to 12.00noon
Tricare, Cypress Gardens Nursing Home, Clear Island Waters. Sundays after 9.00 am Mass Sacred Heart to 12.00 noon
For further information ring the Parish Office, or Maxine Sela on 0421051193.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
OUR LADY’S STATUE
Details of the statue of Our Lady which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary:
please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next two weeks:
16/5/2022 Aileen & Julio Camera Nerang
23/5/2022 Aileen & Julio Camera Nerang
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12noon.
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12. Activities include art, (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759 205, or the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (20 Years Young)-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge”
Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience is necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. All enquiries please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community.
Our COVID-SAFE live-in weekends will be held from Friday evening 14 October to Sunday afternoon 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. Our live-out weekend will be held at Siena College, Sippy Downs from 1 to 3 July – going home on the Friday and Saturday evenings. For bookings/details contact Maria and David Murphy: 0481 307 821 qldbookings@wwme.org.au Watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s support video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o_Wp6qGB44
Information website: www.wwme.org.au
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Spring has sprung! Join Rochelle for a fun functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE-
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL (2022) - WITHIN OUR PARISH
Star of the Sea - Merrimac - Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extending after that -
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
Position Vacant – Receptionist/Multimedia Assistant- Holy Cross Funerals -(Brisbane)
Applications are open for the above position at Holy Cross Funerals. The position is a part-time 25 hours a week over 5 days per week Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
Applications close: 30 May 2022
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) and/or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a 0 tolerance to abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: Some Interesting Statistics about the Catholic Church
The ONLY Christian church in existence for the first 1,000 years of Christian history was the Catholic Church. All other Christian churches which exist today can trace their linage back to the Roman Catholic Church. Most non-Catholic churches which exist today are less than a century or two old by comparison.
The Catholic Church consists of more than just the Roman Catholic Church. There are 22 Eastern Rites that are in full communion with Rome and although they go by different names, they are every bit as much a part of the Catholic Church.
Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, was Catholic and the first book ever printed was the Catholic Bible.
The Catholic Church is entirely responsible for the composition of the Bible, which books are included, as well as the breakup of the chapters and verses. Later communities which left communion with the Catholic Church have then removed some books of the Bible because some of the verses were inconsistent with their theology. Martin Luther was a prime offender in this regard, removing Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch. He also made an effort to remove James and Revelations, but this was rejected by his followers and those two books were kept. Catholics are often accused of "adding" the books, but despite this common belief, it is false. Older, pre-Protestant, Catholic translations of the Bible include them.
How many saints are recognized by the Catholic Church? There does not seem to be an official number, but it exceeds 10,000. Of course, any person who enters heaven is a saint, by definition, so it is certain the number of actual saints in existence is much greater than the number recognized by the Church.
Any Catholic may perform an emergency baptism, such as if a person is in grave danger of death. In such a case, the validity of the baptism only depends upon the wishes of the person being baptized, that they desire the baptism. There are specific guidelines for such practices that Catholics should follow. Anyone wishing to be prepared for such a case should refer to the catechism for a deeper understanding of this allowance. Generally, such practices ought to be left to trained clergy.
Catholic Health Australia represents 75 hospitals and 550 residential and community aged care services and comprises Australia's largest non-government not-for-profit What percentage of hospitals are Catholic? That makes up about 14.5 per cent of hospitals in Australia.
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest non-government provider of health care services in the world. It has around 18,000 clinics, 16,000 homes for the elderly and those with special needs, and 5,500 hospitals, with 65 per cent of them located in developing countries.
Similarly, about 15 percent of all hospitals in the United States are Catholic hospitals. In some parts of the world, the Catholic Church provides the only healthcare, education and social services available to people.
The Catholic Church spends more money than Apple Corporation brings in. Expenditures by the Catholic Church, largely on charity, exceeded $170 billion in 2012, according to The Economist magazine. In that same year, Apple took in $157 billion in revenue.
The Pope is protected by the Swiss Papal Guard. Wearing uniforms designed by Michelangelo and commonly armed with halberds, they are capable of using heavier weapons if needed. Each member is Catholic, male, and Swiss, and must complete military training in Switzerland. They must demonstrate good conduct and be at least five-foot-eight in height. Those who are chosen are granted a private audience with the pope along with their families. In extreme circumstances, they are expected to guard the Holy Father with their lives. The Swiss Papal Guard is the oldest active military unit in continual existence since 1506.
(Source: https://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=57689 )
Acknowledgement of Country
This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the life of the community. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
(see further: The Kombumerri People)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
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